SOA | Living the Buddhist Life

Question 1

SOA for Chanting and what is shows

Answer 1

’ if you speak or act with a corrupted heart, then suffering follows you (…) if you speak or act with a calm, bright heart , then happiness follows you
- This quotation demonstrates that chanting is important as it can help one to stop from acting in ways which cause suffering but instead in ways where one can achieve happiness.

Question 2

Where is the Theravada Chant found and what do they chant and why

Answer 2

Dhammapada 190

- they chant the three jewels to remain focused on them and their importance to gaining enlightenment

Question 3

What is the Mahayana chant and what does it mean

Answer 3

’ nam myoho renge kyo’

• This means that, as humans, we have the ability to transform any suffering into non-suffering. This is because the Buddha was a human who was able to achieve enlightenment and stop the suffering in his own life. The Buddha believed that everyone has the ability to do this.

Question 4

Give the SOA against objects of devotion seen in the Vakkali Sutta

Answer 4

’ He who sees the Dhamma sees me ‘
- This could be used to demonstrate that devotional objects are not very important as the Buddha states that one needs to focus on learning in the dhamma to be able to learn his views

Question 5

Give the SOA for puja

Answer 5

• Mangala Sutta
  ‘ not to associate with the foolish , but to associate with the wise - this is the greatest blessing’
• This shows that we should honour those who are worthy of honour during puja by respecting the Buddha and to cultivate a relationship with Buddha and the Bodhisattvas.
• This demonstrates that we should perform puja as the buddha tells us to do so and he is the ultimate example

Question 6

Give the SOA that shows the importance of learning during puja

Answer 6

Kimsila Sutta
‘ when a talk on dhamma’s in progress; one should listen intently to well spoken words ‘
- this quotation shows that during puja we should be humble, learn from others who are more knowledgeable and value the opportunity to learn about the dhamma, particularly in places if worship and the libraries within them

Question 7

Give the SOA that supports festivals

Answer 7

“The sort of assembly that is worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of respect”

• This supports festivals as it shows that during ( insert festivals) one should aim to make offerings as it can accumulate good kamma and honour what the festival is about

Question 8

Give the SOA that can be used against devotional objects/ festivals

Answer 8

when talking about the dhamma the Buddha said one should learn ‘not merely out of reverence for me.’
- this shows that one should not idolise the Buddha and focus on the dhamma on their own accord and not because they worship the Buddha